I gotta say, despite small things like having my cherished NUS card being taken away from me, 2006 has been a great year and I’m very thankful for it. I remember looking back at the end of Decembers, and thinking, no, this year has not been good to me, roll on the next year. But I won’t do this for 2006. Which surprises me, because its such an ugly sounding year and being the year I graduate, i always looked upon 2006 with dread and uncertainty. This time last year, I had no idea where I was going, what I was going to do – how I would continue my life after the reassurance of education had been taken away from me.

So, I’ll go back to the beloved lists to sum up my year! Unfortunately, i didn’t do any lists for 2005, but I think I can sum it up by saying the best thing about 2005 was the Dutch exchange programme and what I got out of it. After that experience, I really felt so much more confident about myself. ANYWAY!

 

BEST PLACE I VISITED IN 2006
Singapore. But im biased because I think for all intents and purposes, its the most awesome country the world.
Runner Up: Poland. A wonderfully understated country with lots of culture, beauty and lovely people.

WORST PLACE I VISITED IN 2006
I really dont know.. they have all been beneficial experiences. Probably the only place I can think of.. the back road in Torquay that leads onto the fleet walk roundabout. Where its damn noisy and all the chavs hang out.

IT COULD HAVE WENT SO, SO WRONG MOMENT OF 2006
Began innocently, by chuckling at a joke with the rest of the congregation during the graduation ceremony, then begin to choke on my own saliva and turning red in the face attempting to hold it in (“please god let not THIS be the moment i am remembered for at uni“). Thankfully, after turning the attention of a few people, enquiring after my health, my choking spasm subsided.

MOST SIGNIFICANT MOMENT IN 2006
Walking around in Clinton Cards and receiving a phone call from JP Morgan.
RUNNER UP: Graduation. I suppose.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL PERSON I KNEW IN 2006
My close seacow-loving friend, they know who they are. Just want to say thank you, you’re swell 🙂
Runner Up: My mama. Not enough credit where its due.

BEST CULINARY NEWCOMER OF 2006
Tom Yum Soup. No comparison to any other soup in the world, EVER.

WORST CULINARY NEWCOMER OF 2006
My rash and bold attempt at chocolate souffle. Too much, too soon. Sigh.

BEST CUSTOMER OF 2006
The Hotene Family, who were good regular customers, never complained if their meal was late, and gave us a box of chocolates for xmas.

WORST CUSTOMER OF 2006
The idiot at XX Nightingale Close who complained unrelentingly on the phone about his late delivered food, refused to listen to my explanations, threatened to deviate to another chinese takeaway, and stated that he would accept the food but would not pay for it. I also have it on good authority that he pulls this trick on every takeaway he uses. Then after I gave up on this nutcase, (looking back, i wished i took dads advice and told him to sod off) he called back stating his wife felt bad about not paying for anything, and that he would pay for half the amount and drop us off a cheque. We’re still waiting, you fool.

BEST SONG TO DESCRIBE 2006
Orson – No Tomorrow
“When I’m dancin’ with you tomorrow doesn’t matter, turn that music up til the windows start to shatter”

BEST FILM OF 2006
I didn’t see many films at the cinema, but i’ll give it to ‘Little Miss Sunshine’. I’m not one for oddball ironic films, but this one really warms the heart and is genuinely funny and heartfelt. The film is even tinted with that warm, fuzzy yellow glow. By the way, did anyone else not expect to cry at ‘Click’??

WORST FILM OF 2006
The Break Up – I sooo didn’t get the point of that movie, and i felt the ending was a bit weak. I might have picked My Super-ex Girlfriend, cos the trailers looked rubbish, but i’ll pass judgement since i didn’t see it.

I’M GLAD I DID IT AWARD OF 2006
Going on all of my travels. Each day, no regrets. The world is beautiful.

I’M ANNOYED I DIDN’T DO IT AWARD OF 2006
Successfully learn to drive, after taking about 15hours of lessons already. Wasted money, wasted time, sigh. I suppose thats another challenge for me to take up then!
Runner up: Improve my chinese. I will promise to make it an ongoing thing, i will!

KEY WORDS FOR 2006
Graduation, jobs, travel travel travel, money, dossing, soul-searching.

WHAT I LEARNT IN 2006
Value your life. Plan for, but don’t excessively worry about the future, as you have enough things to think about in the present. Cherish what you have, and ignore societal pressures. There is no norm, except what is right for you. Live your life the way you want to, the best way you can, and be polite and smile along the way.

New Years Resolutions are just a convenient time and method of saying that you will be good, starting from…now. What are mine? To work hard in my new job, but remember to enjoy myself. To show my appreciation and love more, for the people who care for me. To remember we only live this life once. And also to learn much more chinese! If i manage to do these things, 2007 will be another good year.